Aniboom, Adult Swim Behind Radiohead Contest

Online animation network Aniboom has teamed with TBD Records to launch a contest inviting Radiohead fans around the world to produce an animated music video for any song from the band’s latest album, In Rainbows. Radiohead band members will choose the winner, who will receive $10,000 to produce a full-length animated music video. The competition will be supported by Adult Swim, Cartoon Network’s late-night programming block, as well as MySpace, where fans will be able to vote for their favorite videos.

The first stage of the competition kicks off today and continues through April 27. All artists, animators, writers, character designers and other creative types are invited to submit storyboards that may range from basic sketches with words to more complex video formats. Artists have the option to compete solo or to ask Aniboom to match them with other entrants whose talents complement their own.

The storyboards will be posted for viewing and ranking by creators and fans. Then a panel that will include staff from Aniboom, TBD Records and Adult Swim will select ten semifinalists to be awarded $1,000 each to produce a one-minute animated music video. The semifinalist videos will be shared across Aniboom’s network of distribution partners, and fans will be given the opportunity to vote at aniboom.com and at MySpace. The videos will then be submitted to Radiohead to select the winner. In addition to the $10,000 production deal, the winner may see his or her video get a broadcast premiere on Adult Swim.

‘Once again, Aniboom has found a way to invigorate the international artist community, identify and cultivate untapped talent and provide these creators with unique opportunities to further their careers,’ says Uri Shinar, founder and president of Aniboom. ‘We deeply respect Radiohead for always remaining true to their art, challenging the status quo and reaching directly into the community.’

In Rainbows, Radiohead’s seventh album, made news when it was offered directly from the band’s website as a DRM-free digital download, allowing fans to decide what price they would pay for the album. For more details on the animated music video contest, go to www.aniboom.com/radiohead.